Manny Pacquiao is an overwhelming favorite to win against Chris Algieri in their upcoming fight, but Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez sees a close fight on Nov. 22 in Macau, China.

Cortez said in an interview with On The Ropes Boxing Radio that Algieri could give Pacquiao a run for his money, pointing out that the 30-year-old will be a tough opponent for the Filipino boxing icon because of his size advantage and effective jabs.

"I think it will be a very difficult fight for Pacquiao," Cortez said. "I think Pacquiao may not get through this kid. This kid is like 5'10 and he has great boxing skills, he has a long jab. He's gonna keep Pacquiao at a distance, Pacquiao is gonna try to come in and put him away. Pacquiao is gonna have his hands full."

In terms of punching power, Cortez admitted that Pacquiao will outclass Algieri. However, the famed boxing referee said that Pacquiao's power might not be a factor in the match because Algieri is very difficult to hit because of his fighting style that he displayed during his win against Ruslan Provodnikov.

"Chris Algieri is not the hardest puncher in the world but he proved when he fought Provodnikov what kind of a style he has," Cortez added. "He's very difficult to hit and stays so very active with a lot of combinations and if he keeps Pacquiao at a distance, he's gonna box him all night long and he's gonna win a decision."

While he believes that Algieri is capable of pulling off an upset against Pacquiao, Cortez is hoping that the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion will emerge victorious because he wants to see the former pound-for-pound king collide with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a super fight next year.

"If Pacquiao loses to Chris Algieri, it's gonna be hard for Mayweather and Pacquiao to fight next year because people are not gonna want to buy it," Cortez said. "For boxing, I hope Pacquiao wins because I'd like to see him and Mayweather get it on finally but I think Chris Algieri is gonna give him a very difficult fight. It can be an upset."

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